Nigerian Army foils kidnap of 17 passengers in Kogi

In a sustained effort to get rid of banditry and other criminal activities, gallant troops of 12 Brigade Nigerian Army in conjunction with Hybrid Forces and Local Vigilante have successfully rescued 17 kidnapped victims, including 13 adults and 4 children in Kogi State.

It was learnt that the the incident occurred on Wednesday, when troops deployed at Patrol Base Apata received credible intelligence of a kidnap incident at Opamaru Village along Obajana–Lokoja Road. 

The Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations 12 Brigade Nigerian Army Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi who disclosed this in a statement on Thursday stated that the victims, who were travelling in a 17-seater bus from Osun State and headed for Abuja, were intercepted by the criminals before troops swiftly intervened.

The Nigerian Army Spokesperson said " Without delay, the patrol base reinforced by the Brigade Quick Response Group (QRG) immediately mobilized to the scene.

"On arrival, the troops discovered a 17-seater bus abandoned by the roadside, completely empty. Employing field craft, the soldiers swiftly trailed the kidnappers’ footprints to Wuro Village in Adavi Local Government Area, where the troops came in contact with the criminals.

"Overpowered by the troops’ superior firepower, the criminals abandoned all 17 kidnapped passengers and fled into the bush with various degrees of gunshot injuries. The rescued victims were immediately evacuated to the 12 Brigade Medical Centre for first aid and stabilization".

The Nigerian Army reassures the general public of its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, while urging citizens to continue to support the military with timely information to aid ongoing operations.

Meanwhile, the Kogi State Government has commended the swift response of security agencies and local hunters, which led to the rescue of 17 passengers kidnapped along the Lokoja–Obajana road on Thursday.

In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the Government confirmed that the victims were freed following the prompt intervention of the Nigerian Army and local hunters, who pursued the abductors and ensured the safe release of all passengers. The rescued victims have since been taken to medical facilities for examination and care.

The Government also expressed deep concern over the reported attack on security operatives in Yagba West Local Government Area, which resulted in the death of some police officers.

 While expressing condolence to the families of the slain officers, the State described them as gallant men who paid the supreme price in the line of duty.

Fanwo noted that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has reaffirmed his administration’s determination to rid the State of criminal elements, assuring that personnel and security equipment are being deployed to strategic locations to restore security.

He called on citizens to cooperate with security operatives by providing timely and useful information, stressing that the perpetrators of the attacks will be brought to justice.

“The Government of Kogi State will never submit to acts of terror. Together with the support of the people and the commitment of our security agencies, we will overcome those who seek to disrupt the peace of our land,” the statement added.